When the storm clouds come rolling in and Alabama skies turn grey, it’s tempting to curl up on the couch and read a good book. But after days of spontaneous rain, cabin fever may set in, and you’ll feel the need to get out and explore. You’re in luck! Birmingham offers tons of indoor activities perfect for escaping the showers. From cultural outings to retail therapy, dining and drinking and some good old-fashioned fun, here are some of the best ways to spend a rainy day in Birmingham!

Arts & Culture
Museums

Birmingham is overflowing with stunning, state-of-the-art museums. Escape the rain and explore your creative side at the Birmingham Museum of Art or take a walk through history at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute or Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame. You’ll forget it’s even raining outside with all the playful activities available at the McWane Science Center, including the IMAX Theater, which has to be the most spellbinding way to wait out the rain.

Hands-On Art

Get artistic on a shower-filled Saturday with some hands-on art! Cahaba Clayworks and the Red Dot Gallery offer pottery classes for all skill levels, and MAKEbhm offers a vast selection of classes from painting to ceramics. For a more relaxing artistic escape, try out Do It Yourself Crafts in Homewood. Or search for a local “sips ‘n’ strokes” class often offered at Birmingham’s breweries

Live Music & Entertainment

The rain has nothing on Birmingham’s live music and entertainment options. You can find a show for almost any night of the week at local venues like WorkPlay, The Lyric, Saturn, Iron City, The Nick, Moonlight on the Mountain, The Syndicate Lounge, Alabama Theatre and the BJCC. Or, find some comic relief at the Stardome. You’ll be happy to celebrate indoors at these venues.

Active Options
Exercise Class

Don’t let the grey skies get you down. Stay motivated and attend an exercise class! P2 Platinum Pilates offers tons of full-body Pilates sessions including individual, duo or trio private sessions, perfect for grabbing your best girlfriends and getting that workout glow! Classes are also available for individual purchase. Or, combine dance and intense body toning at Neighborhood Barre, where your muscles will thank you for a rejuvenating workout

Good Old-Fashioned Fun

Don’t forget about the classic rainy day activities! Catch a flick at the Dollar Theater, where you can see current movies for just $1.50! Or, hit up the local bowling alley for some friendly competition. Bounce the day away at Urban Air Trampoline Park, Steel City Jump Park or AirWalk Ultimate Trampoline Arena; reach high speeds at Autobahn Indoor Speedway & Events; or try your hand at the popular breakout activity at Locked In: The Birmingham Escape Game or Breakout Games – Birmingham!

Retail Therapy
For the Fashionista

As long as you’ve got an umbrella to protect you, Birmingham’s boutiques are calling! Downtown Homewood has a very unique mix, and The Shoppe in Forest Park has to be one of the cutest garden shops.

Update Your Vinyl or Book Collection

The rain can’t dampen your creative side! Waste a day away exploring music both old and new from one of Birmingham’s record stores, namely Charlemagne Records, Renaissance Records and Seasick Records. Or, if a new book is more your style, check out Church Street Coffee & Books to find your next treasures.

Dining & Drinking
Hotel Hop

Birmingham is full of gorgeous and unique hotels worth visiting. From renovated historic gems to high-end resorts complete with spas, restaurants and bars, boutique hotels are the ideal escape for a rainy day. Here are a few of our favorites at the moment; Elyton, The Atomic, Collins, The Essential, Bamboo on 2nd , The Pizits Food Hall, Whistling Table…(I could go on and on)

Brewery Tour

One of the best ways to explore the Magic City is through its local breweries. Birmingham is booming with options, all ideal for a day spent avoiding the rain. Visit Trim Tab Brewing, Good People, Cahaba Brewing, Avondale Brewing, Ghost Train or Red Hills for an afternoon of fun.

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